Was in New Orleans for the first time last year and split my time between 2 Marriott hotels there. Rates had gone way way down since Jazz Fest cancelled.

First hotel was the W in the French Quarter, and I’ll admit Ws are not really the sort of hotel I usually stay at since I prefer more subdued luxury. First, I will have to say that the service was very good. Thorough, willing to help, just “there” when you need them. Especially the woman who was checking me out. Also appreciate the secure garage but make sure to find a rate that offers reduced parking otherwise you are paying a pretty penny ($50 per night or so). The open courtyard area was the best aspect of the hotel, a great place to just sit and relax, especially at night, and there was time and effort put into the design of that part of the hotel.

I had booked the highest non-suite room just to get a room with a balcony but if you are looking to be in the middle of the action of Bourbon Street, you will be disappointed. The hotel was located on a quiet street which was perhaps a bit too quiet moreso because people were avoiding it because there was construction in the surrounding area. Yes, it’s the French Quarter, but it doesn’t feel as immersive as I was expecting. The room… bright and punchy colors (YELLOW walls, YELLOW circular patterns that make the wall look like you are going into another dimension). It makes an impression but take a look at the pictures on the website before you decide whether it is your cup of tea. But… while the fixtures and furniture look snazzy from a distance, a closer look reveals lots of wear and tear especially with the drawers, which the hotel has tried to cover up with paint. The bathroom was in better shape and was perhaps the most “premium feeling” aspect of the room. One of the two restaurants was closed when I was there because of COVID, and I didn’t eat at the hotel (come on, it’s New Orleans).

Second hotel I stayed at was the JW Marriott on Canal Street. Now, for the price I paid ($175 per night), it’s a pretty good deal. I THINK I got upgraded to a slightly larger room but the front desk clerk did not mention it. It felt like a step up from a regular Marriott, yes, in terms of service, in terms of luxury, and in terms of room quality/style and amenities. Location is excellent, and even though I was on Canal Street, I didn’t really hear much of the hustle and bustle from down below. However, when I was there, the breakfast was just continental cold items behind a plastic barrier (at least the coffee was free) where the clerk would retrieve for you and you would have to put an order into the kitchen for hot items. Now, I didn’t mind (again, I can find better food elsewhere since it’s New Orleans, plus I was only a Gold Bonvoy member at the time) but other reviews I have seen say the breakfast is pretty underwhelming even when the COVID reduced offerings were not in place. The hotel’s restaurant is Fogo de Chao. Yes, food is good, experience is good, and when I passed by, the restaurant was packed. But the restaurant is still a chain. The bar was nice at least. Now, I will still say I got a great deal. But when the hotel is back to operating as normal, with market-rate pricing, I think I’d get a better deal elsewhere.